Have Sundowns beaten Pirates to Matuludi signing? Cardoso reacts to reports

Mamelodi Sundowns have reportedly beaten defending Premier Soccer League champions Orlando Pirates to the services of Bafana Bafana defender Thabang Matuludi.

The 27-year-old has been consistent for Polokwane City, a fact that saw him make the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Masandawana and Bucs have been chasing the right-back to strengthen their backline.

Despite bringing in Deano van Rooyen, Sundowns felt they needed another experienced head, considering the fact that Khuliso Mudau is nursing a long-term injury. Pirates needed him to replace Van Rooyen, who was let go in search of playing time.

Have Sundowns signed Matuludi?

In his interview with the media after the club’s 3-0 win over Siwelele, Cardoso refused to comment on whether the deal has been finalised.

“You know more than me; you are going to make me question things I don’t have answers for. You telling me in the next few days a player will be announced, I can’t answer that,” he responded when asked when the official announcement will be made.

“You are more sure of that than myself. I don’t know who is speaking to you; you must tell me.

“But really, I don’t have that information, so I can’t speak about something I don’t control,” he further stated.

I  don’t want to go over the natural process

“I can speak about Deano, he’s arrived, he is here. Any player who is officially announced, we can discuss all the things before: whatever happens, we don’t know,” Cardoso clarified.

“I don’t want to go over the natural process that happens in our club; there’s a guideline we follow on every process.

“Coaches don’t go over official announcements. Will it happen? Let’s see,” the former Esperance tactician concluded.